Application
Ipe decking is available in either partially air dried or
kiln dried lumber. Air dried lumber is intended for outdoor use
for decks, benches, docks, play yards, or other outdoor
furniture. Kiln dried lumber is best suited for indoor uses. |
Handling
Ipe decking should be allowed to sit for a few days prior to
installation in order to get acclimated to your local
temperature and humidity levels. The deck design should allow
for ground side ventilation to insure stability of the decking
due to proper air circulation. |
Cutting & Drilling
Due to the very hard nature of Ipe, premium carbide tipped
saw blades are recommended for cutting. Brad point drill bits or
fostner bits provide cleaner holes than standard HSS twist bits. |
End Sealing
Our Ipe decking is shipped with the endgrain sealed with a
clear wax to prevent any end checking. Fresh cuts should be
sealed within 24hrs with endgrain sealant. We sell endgrain
sealant by the quart, typically enough for a 500 sq. ft of
decking. The endgrain sealant is simply applied with a
paintbrush and dries clear. |
Fastening
There are three typical methods of fastening Ipe decking to
other structural members:
- Ipe Clip ®
Fastener Method: The Ipe Clip
® fastener system uses high strength plastic
fastening biscuits that insert into slots cut into the edge
of the deck board which then rests on top of a joist. A
stainless steel screw (supplied with each clip) is then
screwed down into the joist. We recommend the Ipe Clip
® fastener system as many
other hidden fastener systems install from the bottom side
of the deck, requiring screwing into the bottom of the deck
board. With the Ipe Clip
® fastener
system no screws or holes show from the surface. The Ipe
Clip ®
fasteners are fiberglass reinforced so that they
are one of the strongest ways to fasten Ipe Decking.
- Face Screw / Plug Method: Countersink 3/8" holes
into face of deck boards. Predrill 1/8" pilot holes
completely through the deck boards. Screw the deck boards
down with stainless screws. 3/8" Ipe plugs are then glued
into the holes with waterproof glue (i.e. Gorilla brand
glue, Epoxy, etc.) Plugs are then knocked off with a chisel
and sanded smooth.
- Finish Screw Method: Stainless steel #8 trim head
screws are screwed into the face of the decking. Recommended
two per joist. The trim head screw is very small and only
slightly noticeable. Our Torx drive screws resist striping
much more than the standard square drive.
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Gap Spacing
We recommend allowing 1/16" gaps between deck boards for
water drainage and wood expansion / contraction. This also
allows for proper air circulation. Average shrinkage is
approximately 1/16" on 4" wide boards and 1/8" on 6" wide
boards. |
Finishing
Because of Ipe's natural density and its alkaline
characteristics, many oil and water based finishes will not dry
properly when applied. We recommend that you test any product on
several sample boards to determine compatibility. The finish we
sell and recommend is Messmers UV Plus finish. Other
possible finishes include Sitkens Deck Finish, CWF Flood
Finish, and Penafin. Applying a finish approximately
every two years (depending upon your local climate) will keep
the beautiful dark brown color. If you decide to let your deck
weather it will turn a silvery gray such as teak does. We
recommend that you apply a coat of finish initially after deck
installation, regardless of the final color desired. This will
ensure that the Ipe retains its oils and stability. |
Gluing
If the need arises to glue your Ipe, waterproof glues, such
as Gorilla brand polyurethane can be used with
satisfactory results. Epoxy glues are also very suitable and can
be dyed to black, brown or other colors to match your Ipe deck.
Epoxy produces a very strong waterproof bond, particularly
important for gluing posts.
Call Us Toll Free: 1-877-232-3915
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